Pages tagged "campaigns"

2015 was a crucial year for marijuana policy in Canada. Two of the major political parties, the Conservatives and the Liberals, have made it a key election issue. That is great for us - it gives us the opportunity to foster debate about the future of Canadian marijuana laws, and activate our teams in key swing ridings in the election.

One of our strengths as an organization is people power. In the referendum campaign we connected with hundreds of thousands of British Columbians in direct, one on one conversations. Election organizing is all about having direct contact with citizens - so our experience as a movement is invaluable.

In the fall of 2013, from September 9 to December 9, thousands of volunteers across the province mounted a ‘ballot initiative’ - a citizen led bid to have a referendum to end arrests for marijuana prohibition in BC. We wanted to the citizens of BC to have a say in how drug laws are enforced in our province.

With nearly 75% of British Columbians in favour of marijuana reform, we knew if we were able to meet the requirements to have a referendum, we would have a solid prospect of a yes vote.

On February 11, 2014, Sensible BC campaigners and volunteers from all over the province made their way to Victoria for the opening of the Legislature. Hundreds of our supporters from Victoria to Dawson Creek - and everywhere in between - stood shoulder to shoulder in front of our provincial capital.

With Health Canada changing the rules on the medical marijuana program in Canada, on April 1, 2014, thousands of people all across the country flooded Health Minister Rona Ambrose’s office with phone calls, emails, and faxes. People from coast to coast to coast took the opportunity to stand up for the rights of patients. It was fantastic.

We learned many things through our referendum drive. Key to our learning was giving people the tools they need and cultivating leadership in our movement.

With three days of intense training on everything from campaign management, communications, canvassing, volunteer engagement and how to manage our database, we brought people together to learn specific skills and tools for how to best organize in their community.